PM Modi Norway Visit Highlights: Trade, defence and maritime security in focus during PM Modi’s Italy visit

Ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Italy, Indian Ambassador Vani Rao said New Delhi is aiming to broaden ties beyond diplomacy by increasing industry partnerships, academic collaboration and technology cooperation.

“...we want to diversify the number of stakeholders in the relationship, meaning more industry stakeholders, academic collaborations, people-to-people linkages, and cultural linkages,” Rao said.

She added that India wants Italian companies to see India “not just as a market but as a country that can strengthen their competitiveness” through long-term technology and industrial partnerships benefiting both nations.

India’s Ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, said defence cooperation and maritime security will be among the key focus areas during Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Italy visit.

“Defense will be an important area where we are going to see how we can boost industrial partnerships,” Rao said, adding that mobility, talent exchange and ports cooperation are also expected to feature in discussions.

Highlighting the current geopolitical environment, she said both countries attach “a great deal of importance to maritime security” and are looking at strengthening supply chains, trade resilience and energy security.

India’s Ambassador to Italy, Vani Rao, said Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit will focus heavily on boosting trade and investment ties between the two countries.

“...the visit is aimed at some key areas of cooperation. First is to further increase the trade and investment between the two countries. Second, we are also inviting Italian companies to look at India for long-term presence and long-term business collaborations,” Rao said in Rome ahead of the visit.

She added that India wants Italian businesses to view the country as a long-term strategic partner rather than only a market.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Thursday shared snippets from his interaction with Norwegian Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo, highlighting the decision to elevate bilateral relations to a Green Strategic Partnership.

“I had fruitful discussions with Prime Minister Jonas Gahr Støre in Oslo. One of the key highlights was the elevation of our bilateral ties to a Green Strategic Partnership, which will strengthen cooperation in clean energy, sustainable growth, the blue economy, and green shipping, among several other areas,” Modi said.

The Prime Minister added that both sides also explored ways to deepen cooperation in innovation, research, education, healthcare and skill development.

“It is encouraging to see Norway join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative,” Modi said, underlining growing collaboration between the two countries on regional and global initiatives.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi will undertake an official visit to Italy from May 19-20 at the invitation of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni.

During the visit, PM Modi is scheduled to call on Italian President Sergio Mattarella and hold bilateral talks with Meloni. The discussions are expected to focus on strengthening strategic ties, economic cooperation and key global developments.

This will be Modi’s second visit to Italy in two years after he travelled to the country in June 2024 to attend the G7 Summit.

During Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Norway, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George said India welcomes Norway’s decision to join the Indo-Pacific Oceans Initiative, noting that both countries, as leading maritime nations, are working to deepen cooperation in the blue economy.

He said leaders have called for expanding collaboration across sectors such as shipbuilding, green shipping, ship recycling, port infrastructure development, seafarer training, fisheries, aquaculture, and the greening of ports.

George also said India is a nation that firmly believes in the rule of law and has consistently followed established rules and processes internationally, adding that the country’s reputation is built on “playing by the book.”

Highlighting India’s global standing, he said the country represents one-sixth of the world’s population but does not contribute a proportionate share of global problems. He noted that India’s Constitution guarantees fundamental rights, including equal rights for women, and emphasized India’s commitment to equality, human rights, and democratic values.

He added that citizens have the right to seek justice through courts if their rights are violated, and said India takes pride in being a democracy.

"India and Norway, both, believe in a rules-based order, dialogue, and diplomacy. We agree that no issue can be resolved through military conflict alone. Be it Ukraine or West Asia, we shall continue to support every effort towards the early end of the conflict and peace," he said.

"Honoured to receive the Grand Cross of the Royal Norwegian Order of Merit. This honour is dedicated to the people of India and is a tribute to the enduring friendship between India and Norway. It reflects our shared commitment to global progress," he said in a post on X.

"I was scheduled to visit Norway last year, but that trip had to be postponed due to the terrorist attack in Pahalgam. During that difficult period, Norway demonstrated the true spirit of friendship by standing firmly alongside India in the fight against terrorism... The world today is passing through instability and uncertainty... Against this backdrop, India and Europe are entering a new 'Golden Era' in their relationship. Last year, India and the European Free Trade Association (EFTA) implemented a historic Trade and Economic Partnership Agreement. This agreement serves as a blueprint for ensuring shared growth, progress, and prosperity between India and Norway. This agreement sets a target of attracting investments totalling 100 billion dollars into India and creating one million jobs over the next fifteen years," he said.

"In times of uncertainty and rapid changes in the world, polarisation and conflicts, it is important to strengthen and build contacts with countries with whom we share fundamental values... Partnerships matter, especially between democracies that share common interests and abide by common rules in the global community. In this spirit, your Oslo visit is important. It reflects the growing partnership between India and Norway and the shared ambition to really strengthen our cooperation in many fields... Today we will be signing and underlining a lot of agreements that take this partnership forward... We now have a free trade agreement between European Free Trade Association (EFTA) countries and India, with great expectations and ambitions," he said.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi received a warm welcome from the Indian community after arriving in Oslo for his State visit to Norway. Members of the Indian diaspora gathered to greet the Prime Minister, waving Indian flags and chanting “Modi, Modi” as he interacted with them upon arrival.

PM Modi also witnessed cultural and musical performances organised in his honour and interacted with young girls who performed a traditional dance to welcome him.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has landed in Oslo, where he will hold talks with his Norwegian counterpart Jonas Gahr Store on trade, technology and other key sectors.

PM Modi, who is on a four-nation European tour, arrived here from Sweden on Monday. He was received at the airport by PM Store and other top leaders of the Scandinavian country.

This will be the first visit of PM Modi to Norway. It will also mark the first visit by an Indian prime minister to Norway in 43 years. During his two-day visit, PM Modi will call on King Harald V and Queen Sonja and hold bilateral talks with Prime Minister Store.

He will also review the progress made in India-Norway relations and explore avenues to further strengthen them, with a focus on trade and investment, the Ministry of External Affairs said in a statement. P

Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to visit Norway for the 3rd India-Nordic Summit and bilateral engagements with Nordic nations, marking the first visit by an Indian Prime Minister to the country in 43 years.

Ahead of the visit, members of the Indian diaspora expressed enthusiasm over the high-level engagement and the growing economic partnership between the two countries.

“We excited about the PM's visit to Norway. This is the first visit after 43 years. Not just the Indian diaspora but whole of Norway is excited about this visit,” a member of the Indian diaspora said.

“After signing the EFTA deal, the industry in Norway is now excited about materialising it,” the person added.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi said that being conferred with Sweden's highest honour, the 'Order of the Polar Star', was not merely a personal recognition but an honour for the "140 crore people of India" and for all those who have contributed to strengthening India-Sweden relations.

Addressing the CEO Round Table during the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) meeting in Gothenburg, PM Modi said, "Some time ago, I was conferred with Sweden's highest honour- the Order of the Polar Star. This is not merely an honour for me. It is an honour for the 140 crore people of India. It is also an honour for all our friends in Sweden who have enriched India-Sweden relations."

The Prime Minister made the remarks while highlighting the growing partnership between India and Sweden, as both countries decided to elevate bilateral ties to the level of a Strategic Partnership amid efforts to deepen cooperation in innovation, sustainability and industry.

Highlighting the shared foundations of the bilateral relationship, the Prime Minister said, "The relationship between India and Sweden rests upon a strong foundation of democratic values, the rule of law, and human-centric development. Both our nations view innovation as a vehicle for development, regard sustainability as a shared responsibility, and consider democracy to be our greatest strength."

He said discussions during the meeting focused on advancing cooperation based on these common values and expanding engagement across sectors.

"During today's meeting, we discussed how to build upon these shared commonalities to move forward. In light of our growing cooperation across every sector, we have decided to elevate our relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership," he said.

Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson said that Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit to Sweden marks another milestone in India-Sweden relations, while emphasising the shared ambition to significantly deepen economic and strategic cooperation between India and Europe.

Addressing the European CEO Round Table hosted by Volvo Group, Kristersson said the European Union, Sweden and India recognise the immense potential of stronger partnerships at a time when the world remains increasingly complex and unpredictable. Highlighting growing economic cooperation, the Kristersson said both countries share the ambition of doubling bilateral trade and investment within the next five years.

"The European Union, Sweden and India, all recognise the immense potential that lies in deepening our partnership, not least when the world is as complicated and unpredictable as it obviously is today. PM Modi, your visit marks another milestone in the history of India-Sweden relations... We have a joint ambition to double our bilateral trade and investments within five years. With the current speed, I actually believe it could become a reality even sooner," the Swedish PM said.

Highlighting growing economic cooperation, the Swedish Prime Minister said both countries share the ambition of doubling bilateral trade and investment within the next five years. Kristersson also praised the recently concluded India-European Union Free Trade Agreement, crediting Prime Minister Modi and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen for their leadership in finalising the deal.

Ursula von der Leyen on Saturday said stronger cooperation between India and the European Union could help bring stability to an increasingly unstable world and enhance security for citizens. Speaking at the European Round Table in Sweden alongside Narendra Modi and Ulf Kristersson, she highlighted growing ties in trade, defence, technology and maritime security. Von der Leyen said both sides had advanced cooperation through a major trade agreement and a new security partnership. She also stressed collaboration on cyber security, AI governance, semiconductors, resilient supply chains and joint naval exercises, with further discussions planned at the next EU-India Trade and Technology Council meeting in July.

On PM Modi's visit to Sweden, MEA Secretary (West) Sibi George says, "PM Modi and Prime Minister of Sweden exchanged special gifts celebrating the shared cultural legacy of Rabindranath Tagore. The gift from the Prime Minister of Sweden comprised a box containing two replicas of handwritten epigrams by Gurudev Rabindranath Tagore, accompanied by a small explanatory text and a photograph of Gurudev Tagore taken in 1921 during his visit to Uppsala University in Sweden...Prime Minister Modi presented to the Swedish Prime Minister a set of collected works of Rabindranath Tagore, along with a specially handicrafted bag from Shanti Niketan with motifs that Gurudev Tagore chose to empower local artisans. The bag symbolises Tagore's philosophy that art is not meant to be confined to galleries, but to breathe life into everyday objects, bridging the gap between the intellectual and the functional..."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi attended a high-level meeting of the European Round Table for Industry (ERT) on May 17 in Gothenburg, Sweden, where he invited top European companies to invest more in India. The event was attended by leading CEOs from major global firms across telecom, technology, energy, manufacturing, healthcare, and infrastructure sectors, including Ericsson, Nokia, Vodafone, Airbus, Shell, Volvo Group, SAP, Nestlé and others. It was co-hosted by Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson and European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen. PM Modi presented a five-sector plan for stronger India–Europe cooperation: telecom and digital infrastructure, AI and semiconductors, green energy, infrastructure and mobility, and healthcare. He asked companies to commit new investments in India within five years.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has urged Swedish and wider European companies to expand their investments in India, particularly in manufacturing, clean energy, green hydrogen, semiconductors, artificial intelligence and advanced technologies. Speaking at the European Round Table for Industry in Sweden, pm Modi said India’s “reform express” was moving ahead at full speed, driven by reforms, infrastructure growth and a strong focus on innovation.

He highlighted India’s young workforce, expanding middle class and improving ease of doing business as key advantages for global investors. PM Modi invited European firms to collaborate in sectors such as telecoms, digital infrastructure, healthcare, mobility and sustainable urban development, while positioning India as a global hub for research and development.

The Prime Minister also welcomed the conclusion of the India-European Union Free Trade Agreement negotiations, describing the pact as a transformative partnership that would strengthen trade, manufacturing, technology and resilient supply chains. Emphasising shared democratic and sustainability values, PM Modi called for deeper India-Europe cooperation based on innovation, talent and long-term industrial collaboration. (PTI)

PM Narendra Modi posts, "It was a delight to meet you in Gothenburg, President Ursula von der Leyen. Fully agree with you on the strong potential of India-Europe ties, especially in the wake of the India-EU Free Trade Agreement."

At the European Round Table for Industry in Sweden, PM Narendra Modi says, "India can become a major partner in 5G to 6G transition, AI-enabled networks, secure connectivity, and digital inclusion...I invite you to become a partner in India's rapidly evolving end-to-end technology ecosystem...Volvo, Maersk, ArcelorMittal, Heidelberg, and all of these directly connect with India's transformation."

At the European Round Table for Industry, PM Narendra Modi says, "As the fastest growing major economy, India today is moving forward with a new confidence. India is a country of the aspirations of 140 crore people."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "...In today's world marked by uncertainty, where supply chains are under pressure, technological competition is intensifying, and both energy security and climate action face challenges, at such a time, India and Europe can join forces to become strong pillars of stability, sustainability, and shared prosperity. With this very spirit, I invite you all to join India's journey of development..."

At the European Round Table for Industry in Sweden, PM Narendra Modi says, "I want to thank the PM for inviting me at this round table. I am happy that it is being held in Gothenburg, which is a city that signifies innovation as well as manufacturing spirit of Europe. It is an honour for me to address the European Round Table for Industry. I have met many of you, I am also meeting many for the first time, but one thing is sure you all are associated with Bharat."

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Sunday urged Swedish companies to expand their investments in India across manufacturing, clean energy and the National Green Hydrogen Mission. Stressing the shared values of democracy, transparency, innovation and sustainability between India and Sweden, he said the two nations should combine Sweden’s expertise in innovation with India’s scale, skilled workforce and rapid economic growth.

During his official visit to Sweden, PM Modi, alongside Swedish Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, met leading Swedish CEOs and highlighted India’s economic transformation driven by reforms, strong domestic demand, digital infrastructure and expanding manufacturing capabilities.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Today, India possesses the world's third-largest startup ecosystem. Our startups are creating global solutions in AI, Fintech, Space, Drones, Biotech, Crime Tech, and Mobility"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Today, I have come to invite you to work together with India. As the fastest-growing major economy, India is moving forward today with a newfound confidence...Our young population, expanding middle class, and infrastructure expansion are giving new momentum to India's growth. Over the past 12 years, India has followed the core mantra of 'Reform, Perform, and Transform,' and driven by the government's political will, this reform express is racing ahead at full speed"

Prime Minister Narendra Modi says, "Today, relations between India and Europe stand at a new turning point. At the governmental level, we have established an ambitious and strategic agenda. A consensus has been reached regarding the India-EU Free Trade Agreement...We endeavour to implement this as soon as possible. The Security and Defence Partnership, as well as the Mobility Agreement, have also given a new direction to our cooperation..."

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Prime Minister Ulf Kristersson, in the presence of Her Royal Highness Crown Princess Victoria, engaged with leading Swedish CEOs. They discussed expanding cooperation in innovation, advanced manufacturing, AI, sustainability, green transition, digital technologies, mobility, healthcare and defence industries," said MEA Spokersperson Randhir Jaiswal

"Prime Minister Narendra Modi highlighted the immense potential for deeper collaboration in critical and emerging tech, green infrastructure and climate action among others. The engagement reaffirmed the strong role of industry and innovation in shaping a future-ready India-Sweden partnership," he added.

"Some time ago, I was conferred with Sweden's highest honour- the Order of the Polar Star. This is not merely an honour for me. It is an honour for the 140 crore people of India. It is also an honour for all our friends in Sweden who have enriched India-Sweden relations... The relationship between India and Sweden rests upon a strong foundation of democratic values, the rule of law, and human-centric development. Both our nations view innovation as a vehicle for development, regard sustainability as a shared responsibility, and consider democracy to be our greatest strength... During today's meeting, we discussed how to build upon these shared commonalities to move forward. In light of our growing cooperation across every sector, we have decided to elevate our relationship to the level of a Strategic Partnership," he said in a press statement.

"Today somewhere around 300 Swedish companies operate in India, many of them with their own production capabilities. And this relationship is growing as Indian companies also increasingly invest here in Sweden," he said in the press meet.

, "We are all really looking forward to the Prime Minister's visit and anxiously waiting for his visit... PM Modi has put India on the Norwegian map... The Indian Nordic Summit is really important for the technology and research sector because Norway is very advanced in many of the technologies. Whether you're talking about the maritime industry, renewable industry, or fishing industry, we're world-class here... For India, there are a lot of areas for collaboration, and in India, we have the brightest minds... A combination of these two things only results in great things for India and Norway," he said, talking to ANI.